The legislation will require that First Nation schools teach a core curriculum that meets or exceeds provincial standards, that students meet minimum attendance requirements, that teachers are properly certified, and that First Nation schools award widely recognized diplomas or certificates.

These requirements do not currently exist. This has resulted in situations where First Nations youth graduate from education institutions on-reserve but cannot demonstrate a recognizable diploma to a workplace or post-secondary institution and are therefore required to return to school.

The bill, which aims to give First Nations more control over education, was met with much consternation by members of several nations.

“We don’t fall in that category, and there are others across this country that don’t fit in that category either — this cookie-cutter, one approach does not work in Indian country,” said Grand Chief Mike Delisle.

'This cookie-cutter, one approach does not work in Indian country.'- Grand Chief Mike Delisle

Some members of the community fear nations’ uniqueness will disappear under the act.

“When we look at what we are trying to establish here, it’s our Mohawk language, our Mohawk culture, and some of things in the FNEA are not guaranteed,” said Karonhianonhnha immersion school principal Kanasohon Deer.

“Any nation wants to ensure that its uniqueness in the world is going to be maintained,” he continued.

FNEA 'an insult'

For Trina Diabo, a member of the Kahnawake Combined Schools Committee, the proposed legislation in the FNEA is a slap in the face.